Alloy cleaner recommendation?

[EK993]

Which alloy cleaner should I get from those offered here?

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/cat...

Also is the detail brush worth buying or stick with a sponge on the wheels?

Alloys are black:

[red_slr]

Defo get a brush to allow you to clean the inside rim - looks 10 times better.
Also, wheel wax (Poorboys is what I have used so far) helps a lot.

Wheels off is a good idea for first time to get it all really clean before waxing.
Bilberry is the one everyone seems to like - I use Autoglym myself but will be moving onto Bilberry when I am done with what I have got.

[morebeanz]

I use bilberry wheel cleaner too, and rate it highly. You can use it diluted for regular cleaning and then just use neat for troublesome areas.

Oh, and definitely a wheel brush. Once you've given the wheels a good initial clean, they'll help to maintain the overall look.

[budd]

if your wheels are new or in mint condition and cleaned weekly a specific wheel cleaning product isn't really necessary normal washing and waxing should be enough to keep them pip top, dedicated products only need to be used if the wheels have been neglected and the grime/brake dust is really baked on.
Of the products mentioned Bilberry is indeed a great wheel safe product for most instances, only if the wheels are really, really bad would anything stronger be required, if this is the case try Blue gel wheel cleaner from Valet Pro (they also stock Bilberry) this acid based gel clings to the wheel rather than dripping off and will with excellent results on the very worst wheels.

Wheel brushes are essential to apply/agitate cleaning products on the wheel but some of the prices quoted are crazy, similar brush can be found in B&Q or an office cleaning supply shop at much reduced cost, and even the best brush won’t fully clean the inner rim on most rims, the only way to do this is remove the wheel.

Then again if the wheels are well cared for all that should be required is a dedicated sponge to keep them clean, it’s just a matter of modifying your washing procedure, common practice is to clean the wheels first when washing a car, but if you clean them last using a dedicated sponge in the remaining wash water this avoids the brake dust etc contaminating the wash bucket at the start of the wash.
Wheels only get real bad if neglected due to the high heat and constant brake dust the body work doesn't have to deal with,if they are cleaned weekly and waxed regularly as part of an overall cleaning programme the grime/brake dust won't be on long enough to become engrained in the paint, is there's no reason they can’t be treated just like the rest of the paintwork.

Another consideration is what pads your using fastroad/track pads tend to be pretty dirty, the Mintex 1155s I had in my Griff were very dusty (and noisy)and would coat the wheels even after a short drive, the only way to keep them clean wa to rince them after pretty much every journey!!!
OE pads don't produce anything like the same amount of dust but if race pads are fitted they will eed cleaning more often dependant on compound.

[EK993]

The wheels are in new condition with no hard deposits on them. I used the shampoo I had cleaned the car with (Meguiars Gold Class) and a dedicated sponge giving them a good going over. However when the car was dry they looked dusty (black rims) and running my finger over the wheel there was still brake dust present. Thought I had better use an alloy wheel cleaner and decent brusg next time round.

[budd]

Don't forget to wax the wheels in the same way as the bodywork,most people don't bother being content just to apply the wheel cleaner and pressure wash off, the dust you discribe can easily be removed using something like AG super resin polish, if you follow this with a sealant like FK1000P a barrier layer will be formed making it both easier to keep clean and help stop the dust 'biting' into the wheel paint in the long term.

[Anatol]

Malco's Brake-Off is a non-acid wheel cleaner, and I've been blown away by how effective it is. We have to get wheels scrupulously clean before refurbing them, and this product really does the job...

Tol

[T40ORA]

I use Muck-off cycle cleaner on mine. Seems to do an excellent job.

Someone will probably now turn up and say that it is concentrated Sulphuric acid and is dissolving the wheels!

Still makes them clean though....

[Humpy D]

Rather than using wax on the wheels once you've cleaned them, is it preferable to use something like Poorboys Wheel Sealant as it is made for the job?

[morebeanz]

Humpy D said:

Rather than using wax on the wheels once you've cleaned them, is it preferable to use something like Poorboys Wheel Sealant as it is made for the job?

Some prefer the look of normal wax. As ever the balance between longevity and shine is a compromise and some will always go for look.

Also, not everyone will want to shell out for a dedicated product when you can re-use an existing one...